With this substantial sum emarked for expansion at LTN, (25% of which to be spent to complete Phase 1 by late 2007
Phase 1 is a far more interesting - and demanding - aspect than the total Project 2030 programme because it is designed to "max out" the existing facilities pending the new runway and other infrastructure progressively coming on line from 2012 (all of which will undoubtedly, go to a full-scale Public Inquiry).
The interim Phase 1 "max out" programme requires only planning permission, and LLAO has several cards up its sleeve that will assuage the local NIMBY populus and the local NOPE (environmentalist) fraternity.
However, to have - by the Winter of 2007 - a runway and associated ground facilities that can accommodate and sustain a full-blown 32 movements per hour (which is currently the declared hourly throughput but is presently difficult to achieve on a constant basis) and the resultant passenger activity (12m/year?) is an admirable aim that will definitely expose several 'weak links in the chain' few of which will have been resolved in 24 months, viz:
1. Local roads - grossly inadequate during 'rush hour' even today
2. Airport roads - ditto
3. M1 motorway between Junctions 10/10A and the M25 (southbound) and Junction 13 (northbound) - ditto
4. Road links eastwards to A1M - ditto
5. Adjacent London terminal airspace - ditto
6. Interaction with other London airports'/airfields' routes (e.g. London City, Northolt and even now...Southend) - a major impediment
7. Ability to depart aircraft from the existing Runway 26 at less than two minute intervals (because of the noise abatement turn away from Luton) - impossible.
8. Airport railway station (an excellent facility) that can't accommodate HST trains (platforms too short) - an 'own goal'
9. Airport railway station passenger hall - wong side of the line for ease of access to/from the Airport (see # 1 above).
Nevertheless, with ACDL's obvious cash and heavy-weight intent, some very searching questions will no doubt be asked in 24 months time about those issues (above) that remain and which are not directly within the airport company's control or its ability to resolve!
Should be interesting...
